Warming temperatures causing weathermen to keep a close eye on the creeks and streams of Western New York. In Erie County, they are taking steps to reduce the chance of ice jam flooding.
A Flood Watch has been posted in Wyoming County.
Here in Genesee County, a rapid snowmelt focuses attention on the Tonawanda Creek. The level of the Tonawanda, measured behind the courts facilities building in Batavia, shows the creek is rising but still several feet below flood stage.

This is day two of a new law in New York State increasing the penalty for driving while using a hand-held phone.
Violators will now face two points on their driver's license along with a $100 fine.
State Police issued 15 tickets yesterday in Erie and Wyoming Counties for illegal cellphone use.

Former hostage and Batavia native Terry Anderson returns home for the next few days with a full schedule of appearances.
Anderson, the journalist held captive in Lebanon for more than six years, will be the featured speaker tomorrow night at a dinner presented by the local Peace Garden Project.
Mr. Anderson graduated from Batavia High School in 1965.

Three names have surfaced to the top of the list of possible candidates to replace former Congressman Chris Lee. Lee resigned in disgrace last week. He had represented the 26th Congressional District that includes all of Genesee County.
Republicans appear ready to endorse Clarence Assemblywoman Jane Corwin. She’s expected to ante up seven figures of her own money to get elected.
On the Democratic side, a front-runner is said to be Erie County Clerk Kathleen Hochul but she will need some financial help from the party.
Clarence businessman Jack Davis, who has run for the seat three times as a Democrat, now says he wants to run as a Republican.
Republicans are meeting this Sunday in Batavia to interview candidates.

A reward of $500 has been posted for information leading to an arrest of a tagger. Tagging is street talk for graffiti.
Taggers targeted eight downtown Batavia buildings Tuesday night, including the WBTA building at Main and Center. Downtown property owner Ken Mistler has posted the reward.
Batavia Police are investigating.